Skid plate assembly

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a vehicle that can include a bumper, a plurality of frame brackets, and a skid plate assembly, and related methods. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a skid plate assembly that can include a light source and a main body with a first portion, a second portion, and a plurality of mounts. The skid plate assembly can extend below a bumper of a vehicle. The main body can define an opening that exposes the light source and the face of the light source can be aimed forward and downward.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure is generally related to skid plate assemblies andrelated methods.

Description of the Related Art

Skid plate assemblies are configured for protecting vehicle componentson an underside of a vehicle.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a vehicle comprising a bumper, aplurality of frame brackets, a skid plate assembly coupled to the framebrackets, the skid plate assembly comprising a main body having a firstportion, a second portion, a front surface, a rear surface, and aplurality of mounts, a light source having a first end, a second end,and a face through which light is directed, wherein the skid plateassembly extends below the bumper, wherein the front surface of the mainbody defines an opening that exposes the light source, and wherein whenthe vehicle is on a horizontal surface, the face of the light source isaimed forward and downward at a first angle of 60 degrees or less fromhorizontal.

In some embodiments, when the vehicle is on a horizontal surface, theface of the light source is aimed forward and downward at an angle of atleast 30 degrees relative to a plane that is perpendicular to thehorizontal surface. The angle can be between 30 and 75 degrees relativeto the plane. The angle can be adjustable.

In some embodiments, the first and second portions of the main body canbe planar surfaces. In some embodiments, the first portion can extendalong an underside of the vehicle to protect a plurality of vehiclecomponents from impact. In some embodiments, the second portion canextend forward and upward relative to the first portion.

In some embodiments, the assembly can include a light mount. In someembodiments, the light mount can include at least one of: (1) a firstflange and a second flange extending rearward from the rear surface ofthe main body and configured to secure the first and second ends of thelight source, (2) a top flange and a bottom flange extending rearwardfrom the rear surface of the main body and configured to secure thelight source to the main body, (3) a back face spaced rearward from therear surface of the main body, and (4) a plurality of holes extendingfrom the rear surface to the front surface of the main body andconfigured to receive a plurality of fasteners to secure the lightsource to the main body.

In some embodiments, the assembly can include a plurality of fasteners.In some embodiments, the fasteners can extend through a plurality ofapertures in the mounts and into the frame brackets.

In some embodiments, the mounts can include at least one of: (1) a firstarm and a second arm configured to attach to a first and second lateralside of the frame brackets; and (2) a first support and a second supportextending rearward from the rear surface of the main body and configuredto attach to a first and second front surface of the frame brackets.

In some embodiments, the face of the light source can be recessed fromthe front surface of the second portion.

In some embodiments, the assembly can include a power assembly. In someembodiments, the assembly can include a wiring harness.

In some embodiments, the first angle of the light source can be between30 and 75 degrees relative to the plane.

In some embodiments, the bumper can be a separate component from theskid plate assembly. In some embodiments, the skid plate assembly can beintegral with the bumper. In some embodiments, the frame brackets can beintegral with the bumper.

In some embodiments, a second angle between the first portion and thesecond portion of the main body can be at least 120 degrees.

In some embodiments, an orientation of the light source can be adjustedwith respect to the main body.

In some embodiments, the first angle can be adjusted.

Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method for installing a skidplate assembly on a vehicle, the method comprising providing a skidplate assembly, the skid plate assembly comprising a main body having aplurality of mounts and a light source having a first end, a second end,and a face through which light is directed, attaching the skid plateassembly to a vehicle such that the skid plate assembly extends below avehicle bumper, and aiming the face of the light source forward anddownward at an angle of 60 degrees or less from horizontal when thevehicle is on a horizontal surface.

In some embodiments, when the vehicle is on a horizontal surface, theface of the light source is aimed forward and downward at an angle of atleast 30 degrees relative to a plane that is perpendicular to thehorizontal surface.

In some embodiments, attaching the skid plate assembly to the vehiclecan include extending a fastener through an aperture in at least one ofthe plurality of mounts of the main body and into a pre-existing groovein a frame bracket on the vehicle without drilling. In some embodiments,the fastener can slide along the pre-existing groove of the framebracket to a location before securing the fastener.

In some embodiments, the angle of the face of the light source can beadjusted relative to horizontal by pivoting the light source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present devices, systems,and methods will become appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood with reference to the specification, claims and appendeddrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a skid plate assembly assembled on avehicle;

FIGS. 2-7 show embodiments of a main body of the skid plate assembly;

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a vehicle with frame brackets;

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a frame bracket;

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a fastener;

FIGS. 11A and 11B show embodiments of a light source;

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a mount for the light source;

FIGS. 13, 14A, and 14B show an embodiment of the skid plate assemblybeing coupled to the frame bracket;

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a power assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of the presently preferredembodiments of skid plate assemblies provided in accordance with aspectsof the present devices, systems, and methods and is not intended torepresent the only forms in which the present devices, systems, andmethods may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth thefeatures and the steps for constructing and using the embodiments of thepresent devices, systems, and methods in connection with the illustratedembodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same orequivalent functions and structures may be accomplished by differentembodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spiritand scope of the present disclosure. As denoted elsewhere herein, likeelement numbers are intended to indicate like or similar elements orfeatures.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a vehicle 100 that is compatiblewith a skid plate assembly 10, such as a Jeep Wrangler. The vehicle 100can be a jeep, truck, etc. In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 caninclude an aerodynamic panel. The aerodynamic panel can be a plasticplate. The vehicle 100 can include a bumper 102 and a plurality of framebrackets 104. The frame brackets 104 can be integral with the bumper 102and/or separate components. The skid plate assembly 10 can be attachedto the vehicle 100 such that the skid plate assembly 10 extends belowthe bumper 102. The skid plate assembly 10 can be integral with thebumper 102 and/or a separate assembly. The skid plate assembly 10 can bemade of durable materials such as steel. The skid plate assembly 10 caninclude a black powder-coated finish.

In some embodiments, the skid plate assembly 10 can include a lightsource 40. This advantageously provides the driver with bettervisibility of the ground in front of and/or beneath the vehicle 100. Incertain other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the skid plate assembly10 can have a main body 20 without an opening 32 for a light source 40.In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the skidplate assembly 10 can include a main body 20 with a first portion 22, asecond portion 24, a front surface 26, and a rear surface 28. Asillustrated, the first and second portions 22, 24 can be planarsurfaces. The first portion 22 can extend beneath an underside of avehicle, such as an undercarriage of the vehicle 100. In someembodiments, the main body 20 can desirably include a rear mountconfigured to couple a rearward portion of the main body 20, such as arearward segment of the first portion 22, to a rear portion of thevehicle 100. For example, the segment of the first portion 22 thatextends beneath the vehicle can be bolted to the vehicle's frame. Thiscan advantageously protect components of the vehicle 100 that may bevulnerable or exposed to elements while driving. The skid plate assembly10 can reduce the amount of matter, such as dirt or debris, thatcontacts or collects under the vehicle 100 and can protect components ofthe vehicle 100 from impact. In some embodiments, the first portion 22can extend beneath the vehicle 100 to desirably protect an axle of thevehicle 100 from impact. The second portion 24 can extend forward andupward relative to the first portion 22 such that at least a portion ofthe front surface 26 of the main body 20 is angled towards the groundbeneath the vehicle 100.

In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the body 20can include a plurality of mounts 30, such as arms, supports, etc. Asshown in FIGS. 3, 8, 9, and 13, the mounts 30 can include a first armand a second arm configured to attach to a first and a second lateralside 106 of the frame brackets 104. As shown in FIGS. 3, 8, 14A, and14B, the mounts 30 can include a first support and a second supportextending rearward from the rear surface 28 of the main body 20 andconfigured to attach to a first and second front surface 105 of theframe brackets 104. In some embodiments, including the illustratedembodiment, mounts 30 can include both arms and supports coupled tolateral sides 106 and/or front surfaces 105 of the frame brackets 104.This is advantageous because it can enhance the stability and durabilityof the skid plate assembly 10 when the vehicle is moving, such as whenthe vehicle is used for off-roading.

The mounts 30 can include a plurality of apertures 52 that areconfigured to receive a plurality of fasteners 50, such as bolts,screws, etc. The fasteners 50 can extend through the apertures 52 in themounts 30 and into the frame brackets 104. The fasteners 50 can extendinto pre-existing holes in the frame brackets 104. This is advantageousbecause it allows the skid plate assembly 10 to be easily attached to,such as bolted on to, the vehicle 100 without requiring drilling. Theskid plate assembly 10 can be bolted to the frame brackets 104 indifferent positions. For example, the pre-existing holes in the framebrackets 104 can be grooves configured to cooperate with the fasteners50. In some embodiments, the fasteners 50 are movable or slidable withinthe pre-existing holes in the frame brackets 104 prior to the fasteners50 being secured. This can advantageously allow for the skid plateassembly 10 to be positioned in multiple configurations.

In some embodiments, the skid plate assembly 10 can include a lightsource 40. The light source 40 can be an LED. In some embodiments, thelight source 40 can be operated, such as turned on, without the vehicleignition key. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the light source 40 canhave a first end 42, a second end 44, and a face 46.

In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the lightsource 40 can be protected. As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the front surface 26of the main body 20 can define an opening 32 for exposing the lightsource 40. The face 46 of the light source 40 can be recessed from thefront surface 26 of the second portion 24. In some embodiments, theopening 32 can be disposed on the second portion 24 of the body 20. Theface 46 of the light source 40 can be aimed or directed forward anddownward at a first angle A towards the ground. The first angle A can beat least 30 degrees relative to a plane that is perpendicular to theground when the vehicle 100 is on a horizontal surface. The first angleA can be at least 45 degrees. The first angle A can be between 20 and 75degrees. The first angle A can be between 40 and 60 degrees. The firstangle A can be adjustable with respect to the plane. One of ordinaryskill in the art would appreciate that when the vehicle 100 is on ahorizontal surface and the face 46 of the light source 40 is aimedforward and downward at a first angle A of at least 30 degrees relativeto the plane (see FIG. 7), the face 46 is at an angle of 60 degrees orless from horizontal.

As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the first portion 22 and thesecond portion 24 define a second angle B. In some embodiments, thesecond angle B between the first portion 22 and the second portion 24 ofthe main body 20 is at least 120 degrees. The second angle B can bebetween 90 and 170 degrees. The second angle B can be at least 150degrees. The second angle B can be between 140 and 160 degrees. Thesecond angle B can be adjustable.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 6, and 12, the light source 40 can be mountedto the main body 20. For example, the skid plate assembly 10 can includea light mount 48. In some embodiments, including the illustratedembodiment, the light mount 48 can include a first flange and a secondflange extending rearward from the rear surface 28 of the main body 20and configured to secure the first and second ends 42, 44 of the lightsource 40. As shown in FIG. 3, the light mount 48 can include recesses49, which can support the first and second ends 42, 44 of the lightsource 40. In some embodiments, the light mount 48 can include a topflange and a bottom flange extending rearward from the rear surface 28of the main body 20 and configured to secure the light source 40 to themain body 20. In some embodiments, the light mount 48 can include a backface spaced rearward from the rear surface 28 of the main body 20. Insome embodiments, the light mount 48 can include a plurality of holesextending from the rear surface 28 to the front surface 26 of the mainbody 20 and configured to receive a plurality of fasteners to secure thelight source 40 to the main body 20.

In some embodiments, the position and/or orientation of the light source40 can be adjustable (e.g., the light source 40 can be aimed atdifferent angles) with respect to the main body 20. For example, therecesses 49 in the light mount 48 can be grooves configured to cooperatewith the first and second ends 42, 44 of the light source 40. In someembodiments, the first and second ends 42, 44 of the light source 40 aremovable or slidable within the recesses 49 prior to the first and secondends 42, 44 being secured, enabling the light source 40 to be pivotableand the angle of the light source 40 to be selected by the user. Thiscan advantageously allow the skid plate assembly 10 to provide surfacelighting suited for and adapted to different driving conditions orenvironments.

In some embodiments, the skid plate assembly 10 can include a powerassembly 60. As shown in FIG. 15, the power assembly 60 can include arelay, switch, ground lead, power lead, fuse, connector, and/or powerconnector. In some embodiments, the skid plate assembly 10 can include awiring harness. This can advantageously allow the components of thepower assembly 60, such as wires, to be secured and routed to avoidcontact with potentially hot or moving parts.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that inventiveskid plate assemblies and related methods are disclosed. While severalcomponents, techniques and aspects have been described with a certaindegree of particularity, it is manifest that many changes can be made inthe specific designs, constructions and methodology herein abovedescribed without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure.

Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context ofseparate implementations and/or “some embodiments” can also beimplemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely,various features that are described in the context of a singleimplementation can also be implemented in multiple implementationsseparately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, althoughfeatures may be described above as acting in certain combinations, oneor more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, beexcised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as anysubcombination or variation of any subcombination.

Moreover, while methods may be depicted in the drawings or described inthe specification in a particular order, such methods need not beperformed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and thatall methods need not be performed, to achieve desirable results. Othermethods that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in theexample methods and processes. For example, one or more additionalmethods can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between anyof the described methods. Further, the methods may be rearranged orreordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of varioussystem components in the implementations described above should not beunderstood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and itshould be understood that the described components and systems cangenerally be integrated together in a single product or packaged intomultiple products. Additionally, other implementations are within thescope of this disclosure.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements,and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intendedto imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way requiredfor one or more embodiments.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generallyintended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,”“about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent avalue, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, orcharacteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves adesired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”,“generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is withinless than or equal to 10% of, within less than or equal to 5% of, withinless than or equal to 1% of, within less than or equal to 0.1% of, andwithin less than or equal to 0.01% of the stated amount.

Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanyingdrawings. The figures are drawn to scale, but such scale should not belimiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown arecontemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed inventions.Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarilybear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of thedevices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/orrearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature,aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element,or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in allother embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognizedthat any methods described herein may be practiced using any devicesuitable for performing the recited steps.

While a number of embodiments and variations thereof have been describedin detail, other modifications and methods of using the same will beapparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, it should beunderstood that various applications, modifications, materials, andsubstitutions can be made of equivalents without departing from theunique and inventive disclosure herein or the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle comprising: a bumper; a plurality offrame brackets; a skid plate assembly coupled to the frame brackets, theskid plate assembly comprising: a main body having a first portion, asecond portion, a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality ofmounts; a light source having a first end, a second end, and a facethrough which light is directed; wherein the skid plate assembly extendsbelow the bumper; wherein the front surface of the main body defines anopening that exposes the light source; and wherein when the vehicle ison a horizontal surface, the face of the light source is aimed forwardand downward at a first angle of 60 degrees or less from horizontal. 2.The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first and second portions of themain body are planar surfaces.
 3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein thefirst portion extends along an underside of the vehicle to protect aplurality of vehicle components from impact.
 4. The vehicle of claim 1,wherein the second portion extends forward and upward relative to thefirst portion.
 5. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a lightmount, wherein the light mount comprises at least one of: (1) a firstflange and a second flange extending rearward from the rear surface ofthe main body and configured to secure the first and second ends of thelight source; (2) a top flange and a bottom flange extending rearwardfrom the rear surface of the main body and configured to secure thelight source to the main body; (3) a back face spaced rearward from therear surface of the main body; and (4) a plurality of holes extendingfrom the rear surface to the front surface of the main body andconfigured to receive a plurality of fasteners to secure the lightsource to the main body.
 6. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of fasteners, wherein the fasteners extend through a pluralityof apertures in the mounts and into the frame brackets.
 7. The vehicleof claim 1, wherein the mounts comprise at least one of: (1) a first armand a second arm configured to attach to a first and second lateral sideof the frame brackets; and (2) a first support and a second supportextending rearward from the rear surface of the main body and configuredto attach to a first and second front surface of the frame brackets. 8.The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the face of the light source is recessedfrom the front surface of the second portion.
 9. The vehicle of claim 1,further comprising a power assembly and a wiring harness.
 10. Thevehicle of claim 1, wherein the first angle of the light source isbetween 15 and 60 degrees relative to horizontal.
 11. The vehicle ofclaim 1, wherein the bumper is a separate component from the skid plateassembly.
 12. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the skid plate assembly isintegral with the bumper.
 13. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the framebrackets are integral with the bumper.
 14. The vehicle of claim 1,wherein a second angle between the first portion and the second portionof the main body is at least 120 degrees.
 15. The vehicle of claim 1,wherein an orientation of the light source is adjustable with respect tothe main body.
 16. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first angle isadjustable.
 17. A method for installing a skid plate assembly on avehicle, the method comprising providing a skid plate assembly, the skidplate assembly comprising a main body having a plurality of mounts and alight source having a first end, a second end, and a face through whichlight is directed; attaching the skid plate assembly to a vehicle suchthat the skid plate assembly extends below a vehicle bumper; and aimingthe face of the light source forward and downward at an angle of 60degrees or less from horizontal when the vehicle is on a horizontalsurface.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein attaching the skid plateassembly to the vehicle comprises extending a fastener through anaperture in at least one of the plurality of mounts of the main body andinto a pre-existing groove in a frame bracket on the vehicle withoutdrilling.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising sliding thefastener along the pre-existing groove of the frame bracket to alocation before securing the fastener.
 20. The method of claim 17,further comprising adjusting the angle of the face of the light sourcerelative to horizontal by pivoting the light source.